What does « Marital intercourse » mean in the Quran?
Discover the meaning of the word Marital intercourse (رفث) in the Quran, with 2 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.
رفث
Marital intercourse
Root: ر - ف - ث
Quranic language 2 verses
Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
📖 1 min read
Definition of Marital intercourse
Al-rafath: words containing what is shameful to mention regarding intimate relations.
Allah says: 'No rafath (relations), nor wickedness, nor disputing during pilgrimage' (Al-Baqara: 197).
It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.
Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.